Kevin Campbell dead: Former Arsenal and Cardiff City striker passes away aged 54

Former Arsenal, Everton and Cardiff City striker Kevin Campbell has passed away at the age of 54.

The football world is mourning the loss of Campbell, who had been hospitalised last month and received a flood of support from fans and friends. Arsenal confirmed his death on Saturday with a heartfelt statement: "We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness. Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin."

Campbell's journey in professional football began as an Arsenal trainee, making his first-team debut against Everton in 1988. He had successful loan spells at Leyton Orient and Leicester City before cementing his place at Highbury.

His pivotal role in Arsenal's First Division triumph in the 1990/91 season saw him score eight goals in 10 games, and he played alongside the legendary Ian Wright. During his tenure with Arsenal, Campbell netted 60 goals across 224 appearances.

Post-Arsenal, Campbell joined Nottingham Forest in 1995, where he spent three seasons, had a short spell in Turkey, and then returned to the Premier League with Everton. His initial loan period at Everton led to a permanent move, and he quickly became a fan favourite at Goodison Park, reports the Mirror.

Notably, he scored in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool during the 1999/00 season and ended that season as Everton's top scorer.

Campbell finished his career in Wales, playing for Cardiff City in the 2006/07 season.

"We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness," Arsenal's statement on social media read. "Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin."

"Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54," Everton's tribute stated. "Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well - as anyone who ever met him will know. RIP, Super Kev."

"Life can be so cruel at times," Mark Crossley, Campbell's former teammate at Nottingham Forest, shared. "Absolutely devastated with news of my ex forest team mate Kevin Campbell's passing, a true gentleman, a great player, a shining light of a dressing room, fun loving guy, thoughts are with all his family and friends RIP mate."

During his tenure at Goodison Park, Campbell became a legendary figure, notably scoring against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby during the 1999/00 season and finishing as the club's top scorer that year.

Campbell's legacy at Everton includes 139 appearances and 52 goals, securing his place as the club's fifth-highest goalscorer in Premier League history.

Following short stints at West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City, Campbell retired from professional football in 2007. He has since become a familiar face on Sky Sports, providing expert analysis on Premier League matches.